By Teresa Williams
May 06, 2008 11:04 pm
—
THOMASVILLE — Youths are ready to take the stage and put their talents in the spotlight for the Thomasville Music and Drama Troupe’s 35th annual Spring Show.
“Troupe Week is the best,” Katie Trotter, Thomas County Central High School senior, said. “I enjoy getting ready for the show and performing.”
Laura Lilly, a Thomasville High School/Scholars Academy senior, enjoys the energy of the show.
“My favorite part is when the lights are down between songs and the energy is moving from one song to another,” she explained. “Then, the lights go up and everyone bursts into whatever song we’re singing.”
Catie Hancock, a senior at Brookwood School, said, even though Troupe Week (the week of the show) is stressful, “it’s all worth it when you take the final bow on Friday and Saturday nights.”
The troupe began in November 1972 when Fred and Winnie Allen — both classically trained performers and musicians — set out to provide a cultural and performing vehicle for area teenagers. Members are from area high schools, plus there is a cast of Junior Troupe members.
“I think the best part of (the) troupe, for me, is the wide range of musical theater knowledge we are given by going every week and all of the tips and energy that is given to us by Mr. Allen,” Lilly said.
David Hopkins, a Brookwood School senior, likes the fact he’s met people and made friends from different schools.
Trotter said the organization has taught her discipline and diligence.
“I’ve learned to keep working at things until you get them over and over again,” she said. “I’ve also learned to handle disappointment, too. Sometimes your favorite song or what you are in is cut from the show and you have to move on and be the best you can, even when you’re not in the spotlight. I’ve also learned to be a stronger and better performer because I’ve had to step out of my comfort zone. It’s made me more self-assured, personally and as a performer.”
The annual Spring Show has been a Mother’s Day weekend tradition since 1974.
The show includes group numbers, ensembles and solo performances of songs from Broadway, Hollywood and Billboard and country charts. It also features a special celebration of the troupe’s 35th year featuring classic numbers from past shows.
This year’s special guest is Marlesa Ball Greiner, a member of the troupe class of 1980. She was a featured troupe entertainer (singer and dancer) and is a former Miss Thomasville and Miss Georgia. Greiner lives in Alabama with her husband, the Rev. Jeff Greiner, and their two sons.
“I’m really excited about ‘One,’ from ‘A Chorus Line,’” Hancock said. “We’ve been working with Leigh Ann Strickland (an alumnus), and she’s put together really great choreography.”
Hopkins is looking forward to making some noise.
“There’s a little section from the Broadway show, ‘Stomp,’” he said. “We get to beat on buckets and stuff. It’s sounds good and it’s going to be really fun.”
The youths have mixed feelings about this weekend’s show being their final one with the troupe.
“It’s a bittersweet feeling,” Lilly admitted. “I looked forward to (the) troupe for many, many years, and this being my last show is disappointing, but also exciting as I move on to college. I hope other kids can get up there and learn from the experience.”
Trotter said it is a “tricky feeling” because she loves the troupe and there is nothing else like it.
“I hope to do something like it in the future and maybe get my kids into something like it,” she said. “I hope it continues to be something wonderful and maybe I can bring my kids back for a show or even get them in it one day.”
Hopkins is glad to graduate, but said he will miss the friends he’s made in the troupe.
“I’ll miss my friends, but it’s a great time to move on and start a new part of my life, “ he said. “I think this last show is going to be a lot of fun, and it’s the best one we could go out with, really.”
Copyright © 1999-2008 cnhi, inc.
Photos
